2 days ago
Fall River gathers in prayer and generous support for Gabriel House fire victims
As this South Coast city copes with the heartbreaking loss of life, and the recovery of nearly 30 people injured, the community came together to mourn and support each other.
'This, of course, is an epic situation, so we expect an epic turnout,' Christopher Silvia, owner of Christopher's Cafe in Fall River, said at the start of the fundraiser at the St. John's Athletic Club.
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Silvia joined forces with Boom Squad Radio, other local businesses and the nonprofit Firefighters Wives Association to organize the fundraiser that aimed to raise $40,000 on Friday night.
Tina Rogers, a resident whose family home burned down in 2007, said that she understood what the Gabriel House residents have gone through, and what it's like to lose everything to a fire.
'I'm here to pay it forward,' Rogers said.
A $20 ticket bought a meal from one of 47 participating restaurants and raffle tickets. All proceeds will go to survivors of the fire, Silvia said.
The Firefighter Wives Association has already raised $70,000 through a GoFundMe.
'We're there to help them get back on their feet,' said Sharron Furtado, president and co-founder of the association.
Christina Catelli, owner of Tequila Lime Cantina, said her restaurant donated gift cards and chicken fajitas.
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'This is a tragic thing that happened, and so anyway that we can help, we want to contribute,' Catelli said.
The shuttered assisted living facility, Gabriel House, where 9 residents died in a fire on Sunday, July 13.
Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff
Vanessa Garcia, co-president of the National Honor Society at Argosy Collegiate Charter High School in Fall River, was there to serve food.
She and other honor society members have been making thank you cards for the firefighters and 'cards of hope' to send to the survivors.
'We always believe that if you give to your community, it will return tenfold, so we really wanted to help,' Garcia said.
Holly Raposo, dean of early college programming and career development at Argosy Collegiate Charter School, said they plan to deliver the cards in the next week.
'It's so sad for so many reasons but Fall River really does rally, the immediate response is 'How can we help?'' Raposo said.
Survivors of the fire were applauded when EMT volunteers escorted them to their seats and served them their food.
Michael Nunes, originally from New Bedford, had only been at the Gabriel House for three weeks before the fire.
'I remember a lot of horror,' he said.
James Dixon, another survivor, said his room was at the end of the hallway next to a fire door which helped him exit.
'It was horrible,' Dixon recalled. 'The smoke was so bad, it was two feet in front of you.'
Michael Pimentel, another survivor, said he and Dixon are now staying at Fall River Healthcare.
'We're staying in the same room,' Pimentel said. 'He's my best friend,' he said of Dixon. 'He's my brother for life. I couldn't live without him.'
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They were friends before the fire but are more bonded now.
'I'm okay,' Pimentel said. 'It's a lot to process.'
A special dedication was made to the nine victims of the Gabriel House fire and honored first responders and survivors.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
A mile and a half away at St. Anne Shrine, an estimated 100 people attended a 6:30 p.m. healing Mass.
Every other pew was intentionally vacant.
Father Edward A. Murphy read the names of eight of the survivors and asked for the nine lost lives to 'be with the lord.'
Friday's Mass also was the beginning of a nine day Novena in honor of
Jeff Montigny, president of the St. Anne's Shrine Preservation Society, said Friday's Mass was 'dedicated to those who lost their lives and who have been injured.'
'They've lost everything, so we're dedicating this to them,' he said in an interview.
The Novena Mass will be held every night through
July 26.
As the church lights dimmed, Murphy passed through the congregation, placing his hands on each person's head with a blessing.
Montigny estimated that over 100 people attended , but said visits to the church had been constant all week.
'There have been people coming by and saying extra prayers for the victims,' he said.
The Rev. Edward A. Murphy blessed congregants with Holy Water during a special Healing Mass Friday evening at Saint Anne Shrine in Fall River.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
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